| Summary: | We have studied the structural and superconducting properties of La2-xSrxCuO4 by neutron and x-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry, ac susceptibility, and dc magnetization. The kinetics of the synthesis reaction were studied in order to determine the optimum conditions for preparing single-phase samples. The room-temperature and low-temperature structural properties, as determined by neutron powder diffraction, are discussed in detail. By comparing the results of the neutron-diffraction and magnetic measurements, we conclude that superconductivity exists in both the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases. The thermodynamic conditions for the stability of the La2-xSrxCuO4 phase are also investigated. © 1994 The American Physical Society.
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